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Relieving the Toxic Burden: how to live cleaner in Singapore

Posted on 01 August, 2013 | By Hester

Post Category - ExpertsExperts

Post Category - Green LivingGreen Living

Post Category - ExpertsExperts

Post Category - Green LivingGreen Living

Since the middle of June, Singapore has seen some of the worst PSI readings in its history, with some days topping the ‘hazardous’ range of 400+. While moving to more pristine climates (or jumping on a plane to get out of the haze!) may not always be a practical solution, there are some simple changes within the home that can be made to decrease the toxic burden on the family.

Step 1: Clean out your home!

Clean up your cleaning products: Eco-friendly products or good old-fashioned cleaning remedies are just as effective as the popular chemical options.

Swap chemical air fresheners for natural ones:Store-bought air fresheners consist of multiple chemical nasties which release pollutants into the room. Enjoy the natural fragrance of pure essential oils instead!

Switch to natural fabrics: Synthetic materials can contain flame retardant chemicals that leach into the skin, so use flame retardant-free natural fabrics where possible.

Reduce your use of plastic: Not only is the manufacture and disposal of plastics hugely toxic to the environment, but the use of certain plastics in the home can wreak havoc with our hormones. Use waxed paper for wrapping, store food in glass containers, don’t microwave food in plastic, buy BPA-free water bottles for drinking and don’t reuse plastic water bottles.

Clean up your home environment:Air purifiers, dehumidifiers and micro-filtration vacuum cleaners can filter air pollution particulates, dust and mould from your home. Use eco-friendly, toxin-free paints to paint children’s bedrooms.

Step 2: Clean out your refrigerator!

Ditch (some) dairy: Hormones that are used to stimulate milk production in dairy cows pass into the milk, yogurt and cheese we consume. Switch to organic, milk and dairy products which are naturally hormone-free.

Embrace funny-shaped fruit (and veg!): The pesticides and fungicides used to ward off insects and fungi can be potent endocrine disruptors, also blocking nutrient absorption. Switch to organic, GMO-free produce where possible.

Give your fruit and veg a bath: Remove water-resistant pesticide and fungicide residues by washing all fruit and vegetables just like you wash your hands – with detergent. A very small amount of specialised ‘veggie wash’ or good old dish detergent will remove pesticide residues. Alternatively, peel.

Step 3: Clean out your body!

The liver is the body’s greatest recycling, regenerating and detoxifying organ, but the body’s ability to detoxify and eliminate depends on the right mix of nutrients and antioxidants, adequate dietary fibre and healthy gut flora.

Jeanette Blanks is a UK and Australian trained and registered herbalist and naturopath. Since 2005, she has practiced in London, Singapore, and most recently set up the Stanley Wellness Centre in Hong Kong. She works with a wide range of medical conditions in people of all ages from infant to elderly, employing a variety of therapeutics within a naturopathic framework. These include herbal and nutritional medicine, Bach Flower Remedies, dietary therapy and lifestyle counselling to address the root cause of a disorder and bring the body back into balance.

Hester founded Sassy in Hong Kong in 2009 and then Sassy Mama in 2011 after the birth of her daughter Elodie. Two months after her second daughter Margot arrived, she headed off to her new home in Singapore with tinies in tow. Hester is discovering the Lion City one shophouse at a time and has also founded super-cool design agency Delilah Creative!